The more I think about this, especially as I read other reviews, the more I like it. Bear in mind that it's a memoir, so, it's basically true. Think about who Holly Hobbie is and what she's done. It is indeed plausible that she could be happy through everything and see the world the way her dolls and her book characters do.

I empathize with her. People like us do know that our attitude determines our mood, and that the best way to be happy is to ditch any feelings of fear, resentment, disappointment, and envy. Also, we know that it's grand to have dreams and hopes, but unrealistic expectations are another thing to ditch.

The illustrations are beautiful and effective. Parents be aware of one nightmare image - it's not horrifying but a sensitive child might not want to see it at bedtime.

I don't keep many books, preferring to release them via www.bookcrossing.com, but this one is being held in hopes of grandchildren. ( )

37 months - we've always enjoyed her illustrations. Who can't relate to really really wanting something that may not be the most practical thing? ( )

I enjoyed this book for many different reasons. The main idea of this book is enjoy the things you have in life. This is represented throughout the book in many different ways. For example, when the little girl first moves to the farm and she is unhappy, she finds joy in taking care of her animals. Another example occurs at the end of the book. When you think she is going to get a horse, she gets a bike instead. However, instead of being upset that she did get the horse she wanted, she screams with joy and rides her bike into the country. These examples show the reader that they should be happy with what they get. The illustrations in this book do not contribute a lot to the story, but they do provide the reader with a solid visual of the setting of the story. ( )

In this author's childhood memory, a little girl moves to a farm and wants nothing but a horse to ride. When her birthday comes, she may not get a horse, but what she gets instead makes it okay. A lesson in how things work out, but not always how we expect. ( )

Realistic illustrations about a horse-crazy girl who WANTS a horse for her birthday ... big surprise when she goes to the barn on her birthday, and finds a bike! ( )